Sim Racing is a great way to get a lot of experience in that direction without the same level of cost, games like Assetto Corsa (iRacing if it tickles your inte

Sim Racing is a great way to get a lot of experience in that direction without the same level of cost, games like Assetto Corsa (iRacing if it tickles your interest for the competitive side against players more than just casually) and a couple of hundred in wheel and pedals will get you started. You can also race karts fairly cheaply (compared to cars and especially racing cars).